The family of Singaporean Jenna Chan, 15, who died after being hit by a boat propeller while snorkeling near Alif Dhaal Dhigu Rah island on November 8, 2024, has decided to conduct a private investigation into her death.
According to the police, she hit the boat propeller when she jumped into the sea for snorkeling while on a study tour to research whale sharks. She was declared dead upon arrival at Dhigu Rah health centre.
Jenna's family told The Times in the UK that they wanted to know how she died and get justice for her death.
Her parents, Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw, have said that they are "still waiting for answers" and have "been forced to become their own investigators".
The family said they do not believe the Maldivian police were conducting a thorough investigation and that Jenna's colleagues who accompanied her on the trip said she was "beckoned into the water while guides tracked a pod of dolphins."
“We just want to know why Jenna died. There is no justice and we are completely on our own," the parents told The Times.
They also alleged that they were prevented from getting a statement from the teachers who were traveling on the boat. The family has started raising funds to seek justice.
"All donations will go towards our fight for Jenna and protection of all future children and tourists, by providing our Maldivian lawyers with the legal fees and financial support to take more cases just like this one."
So far, £6,595 of its £10,000 has been raised.
Police said the matter was sent to the Prosecutor General's (PG) office on June 22. Police officers also traveled to Singapore to share information with the family. During the trip to Singapore in May, police interviewed some students who were present at the time of the incident.
